Need help w/ my MZ-R37 . . . please?

[misterk60]

Hi.

My MZ-R37 works fine, except for my front control buttons. I can't use the FF button at all - it's now recessed into its compartment, and although the play button works, it's getting a little loose. And I'm getting a little worried about the REW button, too. I've downloaded the service manual, but I'm wondering if this is a simple fix I could do myself, or if I'm up the proverbial creek.

If you can help, I'd sure appreciate it - I love this unit; I've had it for almost seven years and I'd love to keep it going.

Thanks, Ken

[kino170878]

Short of sending it to Sony, here's what you might try

1) Ebay for another one - the MZ-R37 is a classic I have one myself

2) I am having exactly the same problems as you, the ff button is almost gone although the other buttons work fine. Maybe learn to live with it.

3) Get a remote control - again from ebay. Note that you can also use the MZ-R55 remote which has a LCD that mysteriously works on the MZ-R37. The R37 uses an old style connector and it is very hard to find remotes that fit.

The sound on the MZ-R37 is in my opinion the best of all the minidisc portables. This is probably because of the mechanism used (same as the R50), the high quality of the components and the fact that it uses 2 AA batteries allowing for much better sound than is usually possible.

[Strungup]

Short of sending it to Sony, here's what you might try

The sound on the MZ-R37 is in my opinion the best of all the minidisc portables. This is probably because of the mechanism used (same as the R50), the high quality of the components and the fact that it uses 2 AA batteries allowing for much better sound than is usually possible.

Correction : The Mech is NOT the same as the R50 , the Optics and I/O were Different for the R50 , as well as the Mic pre's

CDX 2652 AR in the R50 , and standard 2652 in the 37

even though the 37 came after the 50 , the 50 is just better made

The R50 is in a class by itself , I have had the 37 , the 30 , prior to the R50 I promptly sold the 37 after getting the R50 .

Sorry ,....... not picking nits but , serious R50 fan here .

MZ-R37

" Features: ATRAC 4.0 (IC: 2652AR) Sony's first "cost reduced" portable recorder (apparently for US and European release only). Unit is of ca. MZ-R55 generation but slightly larger than MZ-R50. 40 second shock memory. Editing and titling functions available on remote. Unit includes 2 rechargeable (AA size) NiCad batteries [MZ-R37SP version comes without batteries or AC adapter], but can also run on Alkaline cells. Synchro start recording, sampling rate converter. Difference to MZ-R55: no microphone sensitivity setting, no "erase" button ("delete" function appears under edit menu), and no date and time stamp. Included remote has no LCD, but MZ-R55 [LCD equipped] remote works properly with it, including backlight function.

Have a Blue one Currently ( my Silver died after 10 years of service)

current Recorders : Blue R50 , MZ-B10 , RH1 Silver, Blue MZ-N1 , Sky Blue R910 , Bronze R55 , Kenwood DMC-K7R Synchronic

Past recorders, too friggin many to list

Edited May 20, 2008 by Guitarfxr

[kino170878]

Hmmm. Could have sworn that I read some MD tech guy who fixes Sony units saying that the internals were the same. Hence why both were much more reliable than newer units.

Anyway, the main thing is that we can offer some help to the thread starter.

[misterk60]

Thank you for your suggestions.

Now, could you please answer these questions:

1) Am I right that I can forget about fixing this myself? I had thought that I might simply unscrew the front panel, pop the buttons back, and all might be OK. Is that - or something like that - an option or not?

2) Can I send it to Sony for repair? Do they support this any more? How much might it be, and, IYHO, is it worth it?

3) What type of remote should I look for, aside from an MZ-R55? Can I get only the remote, or is it part of a larger package?

(of course taking ebay into consideration).

Sorry to be a pain, but I want to go into this with as much knowledge as possible.

Thanks again . . .

[kino170878]

1) Am I right that I can forget about fixing this myself? I had thought that I might simply unscrew the front panel, pop the buttons back, and all might be OK. Is that - or something like that - an option or not?

2) Can I send it to Sony for repair? Do they support this any more? How much might it be, and, IYHO, is it worth it?

3) What type of remote should I look for, aside from an MZ-R55? Can I get only the remote, or is it part of a larger package?

(of course taking ebay into consideration).

By all means try to fix it yourself. I never had the confidence to perform surgery on portables. Sony made the thing, so I am quite sure they would have a good chance of repairing it. I have no idea how much it would be. If you decide to do it yourself let us know how things go.

The remote for the MZ-R55 is the RM-MC11EL. I got mine from ebay. It is the only remote aside from the original MZ-R37 remote (which is almost impossible to find for sale separately) that will work with the R37.

To be honest, I think you should treat yourself to another one of these. The MZ-R37 is one of the coolest, best sounding units ever made in my opinion. The only thing which let it down (as this thread shows) is the buttons. That's why I invested in another remote.

Edited May 24, 2008 by kino170878

[Strungup]

The remote for the MZ-R55 is the RM-MC11EL. I got mine from ebay. It is the only remote aside from the original MZ-R37 remote (which is almost impossible to find for sale separately) that will work with the R37.

The remote for the MZ-R55 is not the 11

it is RM-MZR55 I own an R55 , .................. The 11EL wasn't until much later

[kino170878]

The remote for the MZ-R55 is not the 11

it is RM-MZR55 I own an R55 , .................. The 11EL wasn't until much later

Indeed you are correct. The 11EL also works with the R37, another reason to invest in this wonderful unit.